Overview

“The time has come to find out where it all began.” This experience invites guests into the realm of legends, myths, and mysteries while discovering the tranquillity and peaceful ambience of the sacred Kramats of the Fairest Cape.

The Kramats are shrines of spiritual leaders who were among the first political exiles to arrive on South African shores as early as 1668. These leaders were men of wealth, influence, and strong community standing who were banished by the Dutch to the Cape. Their arrival played an important role in the establishment of Cape Malay culture in South Africa and the beginning of Islam at the Cape.

Experience Highlights

• Begin the journey in Bo-Kaap, the historic origin of Cape Malay society
• Walk along the cobblestone streets of Cape Town’s colourful Malay quarter
• Visit four sacred Kramats and learn more about their legends, myths, and mysteries
• Visit the Auwal Mosque, the oldest mosque in South Africa
• View the first Quran written from memory
• Visit a Kramat in Constantia linked to the first political exiles
• Enjoy a light lunch at the iconic Kalkies restaurant in Kalk Bay Harbour
• End the experience with a traditional Cape Malay dinner and authentic storytelling
• Receive a Barakat, a traditional Cape Malay gift of food or dessert

Tour Experience

Bo-Kaap Cultural Introduction

The journey begins in Bo-Kaap, a vivid gem on the slopes of Signal Hill above Cape Town’s city centre. Known for its bright and colourful houses, Bo-Kaap is home to a proud community with a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to the Cape Malay way of life.

Guests walk through the cobblestone streets of one of Cape Town’s oldest and most colourful Malay quarters while experiencing a glimpse into the traditions, history, and close-knit spirit of the local community.

Sacred Kramats and Cape Malay Heritage

The tour continues with visits to four Kramats, where guests learn more about the influential spiritual leaders connected to the early history of Islam and Cape Malay culture at the Cape.

The experience also includes a visit to the Auwal Mosque, the oldest mosque in South Africa, where guests have the opportunity to view the first Quran written from memory.

Constantia Kramat Visit

Guests continue to a Kramat in Constantia, the shrine of one of the first political exiles buried at the Cape. This part of the journey offers time to experience the ambience, tranquillity, and serenity of this sacred environment.

Kalk Bay Lunch

After the Kramat visit, the tour continues to Kalk Bay Harbour for a light lunch at the iconic Kalkies restaurant. Kalk Bay has strong historical ties to Cape Malay settlers and was known as a haven for people of mixed races during the apartheid era.

Traditional Cape Malay Dinner

The experience ends with a traditional Cape Malay dinner accompanied by an authentic storyteller at a local home. For groups, dinner may be hosted at the Alhambra Restaurant.

Guests may also learn more about roti, a flatbread traditionally eaten with curry, and how it is prepared. At the end of the experience, guests receive a Barakat, a Cape Malay cultural tradition where visitors are given a gift in the form of food or dessert.

What’s Included

• Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel
• Entrance fees to museums
• Koekisters, teas, and coffees
• Lunch and dinner
• Registered tourist guide
• Donations at the mosques
• Storyteller
• Barakat gift

Exclusions

• Items of a personal nature
• Additional purchases not mentioned as included

Added Value

• A deeply cultural experience rooted in Cape Malay history and tradition
• Insight into the origins of Islam and Cape Malay society at the Cape
• A combination of sacred sites, storytelling, local food, and community heritage
• An opportunity to experience Bo-Kaap, Kalk Bay, and historic Kramats in one journey
• A memorable culinary ending with traditional Cape Malay hospitality

Departures & Pricing